#ThisIsActivism

Abi Mbaye: How to Survive Being Black at a Southern Ivy League School

Recently, a Black Yale student who was questioned by police for napping in a common space told the police, “I’m not going to justify my existence here.” And yet, so many students of color find themselves having to do that on a daily basis. In New Orleans, Abi Mbaye’s story highlights the challenges students of color face when they transition into predominantly white spaces, especially a prestigious college. Abi grew up in… Read More

Wayfinder Foundation Launches First Fellowship Cohort in Indianapolis and Los Angeles

Now more than ever, activists have a critical role to play in shaping the future of our country and its public policies. A new program, launched this week, is cultivating the next generation of voices in communities of color around the country. By doing so, the Wayfinder Foundation is creatively finding new ways to support activists through its Community Activist Fellowship. Starting  June 1, fourteen fellows in Indianapolis, Indiana and Los Angeles,… Read More

Attending a Community College Does NOT Mean you are a Failure

Because my mother’s highest education level was high school along with a few certifications here and there, I viewed college as the only way to make a way – a different way rather,  a better way. I never even considered the idea of attending a junior or community college. But, in the humblest of spirits, I also never struggled academically throughout my school years. Academics was always something where I excelled and… Read More

Choice. What Choice?

In a school district that has the most charter schools in the nation, and the most children in charter schools, school choice was dealt a severe blow this week when the parents of students attending Cypress Academy were told the school would be closing for good only three days before school ends for the year. Additionally, students and families were informed that the student body would be transferred automatically to Lafayette Extension… Read More

I Wish I Had Attended an HBCU

What a time to be black in America.  You either feel stifled or you’re hella proud!  Probably even a combination of both at different times.  Despite my often outrage following incidents of sheer prejudice and injustice across the world, more than ever, I have no desires or wishes to be anyone else.  I am proud to be black, even prouder to tell my students why they should be just as confident and… Read More

Measles and Hepatitis A Outbreaks Illustrate Why Schools Shouldn’t Cater to the Anti-Vaccine Movement

By Andrew Pillow Modern medicine is often cited as the most important human achievement. At the forefront of modern medicine is the advent of vaccines. Vaccines have almost completely eliminated diseases like Polio and Measles. Smallpox killed an estimated 500 million people during the 20th century alone but today has been almost completely eradicated by vaccines. It’s hard for many to understand why anyone would have a problem with such progress but… Read More

Put your Money Where your Mouth Is If you Want a Quality Education for your Child in NOLA.

Despite being upset about my son’s One-App placement results to enter kindergarten, I took my time on this piece because within the topic of education, there is a lot of nuance.   Adding to the nuance, determining the best pathway for your child’s education, becomes even more frustrating when the availability of quality schools is limited. Initially, I was outraged because for the second year in a row, the city’s One App… Read More

Into a Burning House

Melba. Minnijean. Elizabeth. Ernest. Gloria. Carlotta. Thelma. Terrence. Jefferson. We stand on the shoulders of the Little Rock Nine. Ruby –  we definitely salute you as well. They were physically and verbally abused, spat on and called names. Melba had acid thrown in her eye and they attempted to set her on fire. Minnijean was confronted by a group of young men who assaulted her yet she was suspended for the entire… Read More

A Lesson Outside of the Classroom: A Visit to Whitney Plantation with Abramson Sci Academy Class of 2018

A transformative and powerful experience all because one teacher shared hers… I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues and seven senior students on a tour of Whitney Plantation, located in Wallace, LA in St. John the Baptist Parish. I’m glad I was able to learn about this hidden gem. I’m thankful, this trip was brought to fruition all because ASA, senior English IV teacher, Ms. Neal shared her experience with her… Read More